Positive and negative cognitive appraisal of the impact of children with autism spectrum disorder on the family

•Little is known about the perspectives ASD families in sub-Saharan Africa.•Families perceived the impact of their child with ASD as both positive and negative.•The additional financial costs of having a child with ASD is concerning.•Families enjoy the many special pleasure of their children with ASD.•A negative impact is not the sole experience of families who have a child with ASD.